The Stock Check – Saturday
Filed under: Scout Notes, The Stock Check - Posted by: Mark
Gareth Bale continues to look unstoppable, while Michu revives his Fantasy fortunes to repay his faithful owners as QPR are put to the sword. With the Chelsea engine room purring, even without Mata, there were only three strikers on the mark from the 17 goals scored. Food for thought. Here’s the Stock Check on Saturday’s action so far.
On the Up
Gareth Bale
The Welshman looks simply unplayable right now. A devastating brace won the game for Spurs and, in truth, Bale could have helped himself to further returns. He started the game wide left but was shifted to a central area late on and went on to clinch the winner. A huge number of acquisitions look likely and, with two weeks until the next deadline, a significant price rise looks inevitable.
Michu
Having failed to score in his last six outings, Michu, like Marouane Fellaini last weekend, hammered home a telling brace to reward the patience of his Fantasy owners. With an assist in the mix, the Spaniard is on course for his biggest points haul of the season, beautifully timed for those who ignored Liverpool’s double Gameweek assets and handed him the armband.
Angel Rangel
A second goal of the season helped the Spaniard overshadow Ben Davies on the opposite flank and perhaps underline his superior attacking potential. Given that they are now identical in terms of FPL price, arguably, Rangel is the better option for those looking to invest in the Swans’ backline.
Moussa Sissoko
Sissoko may have been overshadowed by the performance of Bale but the Frenchman maintained his record of returning in every appearance thus far with the assist for Yoan Gouffran’s goal.
Robert Huth
At last, Huth delivered a first goal of the season, with Fantasy Premier League (FPL) bonus perhaps on the cards, the gap between Huth and his skipper Ryan Shawcross, narrows. Marc Wilson, absent today but close to a return, will surely be the key acquisition in the Stoke defence very soon, however. Particularly with no clean sheet in the last eight for Tony Pulis’ rearguard.
Santi Cazrola
The Spaniard fired only his second league goal in his last nine starts to keep his points tally bubbling but, with Theo Walcott providing the assist, it remains difficult for Cazorla to overshadow his consistent team-mate. Walcott has now returned a goal or assist in nine of his last ten league starts.
Eden Hazard
Another player who has lived in the shadow of team-mates, Hazard took his opportunity to shine with Juan Mata on the bench by returning goal and assist returns in Chelsea’s 3-1 win. Hazard has now score in three of his last four league starts to indicate that he may yet be able to compete with the consistency of Mata and Frank Lampard in the Chelsea midfield.
Frank Lampard
An extraordinary run of form continued. Lampard’s strike against Wigan was his fourth goal in his last four league starts, his eighth in his last ten league appearances. Having started the last eight, Lampard, at 8.5, is clearly worthy of consideration for those without Mata in their squads.
Cesar Azpilicueta
A lack of clean sheets hasn’t’ stopped Cesar Azpilicueta impressing: he returned to the lineup today to fetch two more assists to take him to six for the season. You have to wonder how close he is to making the role his own, with Branislav Ivanovic reduced to rotation for the centre-back roles.
Shaun Maloney
It’s back-to-back goals for the little Scott, with returns in four of his last five league starts. At just 4.8 in the FPL, Maloney goes on making a strong case for selection as a budget fifth midfielder.
The Norwich Defence
A second consecutive 0-0 stalemate underlined the shortage of firepower but the clean sheet was their third in five games with the likes of Mark Bunn, Russell Martin and Seb Bassong continuing to offer value within Chris Hughton’s rearguard.
The Arsenal Defence
Back-to-back clean sheets have suddenly restored the Gunners back four in our Fantasy thinking. With Villa at home next, Arsene Wenger’s side could be set to fetch three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since the opening three matches of the season. Wojciech Szczesny, outstanding today, remains a strong option between the sticks, while Bacary Sagna was deployed in central defence today with both Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny out injured.
Going Down
Juan Mata
The instant reaction to the Chelsea team-sheet was that Mata had been a victim of Rafa Benitez’s rotation, although the club later tweeted that the Spaniard had been struck down with a virus. He was still well enough to come on in the second-half, however, frustrating his owners who saw their man fail to return for just the third time in the last twelve league matches. At least Mata has now had his rest and, presumably, we can now look forward to another extended and uninterrupted run of league outings.
The Chelsea Defence
Maloney’s goal ruined another clean sheet for Rafa Benitez’s side who have now conceded nine goals in their last five league matches, with no clean sheet in that run. Indeed, it’s just one shut-out in the last eight for Rafa’s back four.
The Tottenham Defence
Once again, Andre Villas-Boas shuffled his resources at the back with both Jan Vertonghen and Benoit Assou-Ekotto relegated to the bench. With the experience of William Gallas and the returning Younes Kaboul to call upon, it seems that only Kyle Walker looks safe from rotation. Michael Dawson has now started the last seven league matches, however.
Geoff Cameron
Deployed in midfield, up behind Peter Crouch at Arsenal, the US international was dropped to the bench for the visit of Reading having travelled to Honduras in the week. With Marc Wilson returning to contention at left-back soon, it remains to be seen if Cameron remains an automatic choice for the right-back role from this point on.
Lukas Podolski
The darling of double Gameweek 23, Podolski found himself relegated to the bench once again having been forced to emerge as a substitute to win the game in Gameweek 25. With Champions League fixtures looming, Podolski looks set to remain prone to rotation.
Jack Wilshere
A leg injury ended the England starlet’s afternoon at the Stadium of Light as he limped off on 50 minutes. Arsene Wenger has spoken briefly after the match to reassure us that the prognosis will be days rather than weeks. We’ve heard such optimism before, however.
Seb Larsson
The Swede has suffered an ineffective season for the Black Cats, returning just a single goal and three assists to this point. Today, with Lee Cattermole fit to return to the midfield, Larsson was relegated to the bench, only to be introduced at half-time.
About The Author
“Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.”
Mark
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Recent Comments
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Lamps has already played 180 mins in the past week, and with a new contract secured he probably wont get 90 minutes… » -
I reckon you're good to go. Why Sturridge captain over Bale? I'm in the same dilemma. Scoring odds say Bale and… » -
That's what I was leaning towards ... cheers! » -
Fair enough thanks, I think I'm gonna go with Nolan though as I'm unsure how many United will score past West brom away… » -
Rooney not expected to play so I'd have thought so » -
worth a hit to replace DDG with reina? is that what everyone is doing? » -
A. Mirallas out for Sturridge and bench Maloney B. Aguero out for Sturridge and play Maloney (and bench Mirallas… » -
Lambert or Dzeko imo » -
No love for Rodriguez? With Lambert possibly out he could rip Stoke apart. »
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I think he'll score so yes »
“We have dynamic players with good movement, so if he can link with them fine. He can play a bit higher because his timing getting into the box is very good.”
Rafa Benitez talks up the role that Frank Lampard can play in his Chelsea revolution
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February 9 at 7:57 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Doosra’s Deadly Assassins … vote early, vote often!
http://members.fantasyfootball...../view/939/
February 9 at 7:57 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Sidwell’s got my vote
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Baps ftw!!!
February 9 at 7:57 pm
Acquafresca says:
Didnt even read — just voted
February 9 at 8:00 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Ta. You are my kind of Democrat!
February 9 at 7:57 pm
thorvaldsson says:
Is there any forward I can replace Bryan Ruiz with? Keeping in mind I will just have his value of 5.2 to play with
February 9 at 7:58 pm
whitegunner blackheart says:
Anichebe
February 9 at 8:44 pm
JurEE says:
+3
February 9 at 7:57 pm
George Elokobi says:
1.6m in the bank, team value 111.1m. I NEED Bale back in my team but would need to take a hit. Aguero + Puncheon > Dzeko + Bale for -4 look a good move??
Begovic (Cerny)
Johnson – Davies – Harte (Onuoha,Demel)
Michu (vc) – Fellaini – Walcott – Mata (Puncheon)
RVP – Suarez (c) – Aguero
February 9 at 7:58 pm
Acquafresca says:
Ditch Suarez keep Aguero.
February 9 at 8:00 pm
whitegunner blackheart says:
Even after today? Suarez seems to be better value and more consistent.
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Acquafresca says:
Aguero will come good in next 4-5 imo.
February 9 at 8:02 pm
George Elokobi says:
I’d lose 0.4m in value, worth losing a season keeper like him just to bring him back?
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Are you actually moaning about money? You have cash to burn on EVERYONE else
February 9 at 8:06 pm
George Elokobi says:
The rich are always the stingiest
February 9 at 7:58 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
No. Muddled thinking. You need Suarez out, on account of the blank. Puncheon will now rise again. In fact, it’s a crapper!!!
February 9 at 8:05 pm
George Elokobi says:
Haha, but not having Bale next week or till the end of the season WILL hurt me and he looks good for a 0.3m rise
February 9 at 8:00 pm
Phaze 1 says:
No way. You can’t get 11 out next week with that plan
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Johnson, Michu and Suarez dont play, so you might want to switch one of them to avoid 4 at the back
February 9 at 7:58 pm
Triggalicious says:
I just realised that in a way, my thinking for leaving Bale out was exactly right. I said that I could only see 3/4 goals in the next 3 games for them, as they were away from home against some solid home teams.
I was completely right, I just didn’t predict Bale scoring 100% of their goals in those games
February 9 at 7:59 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
Yeees … OK …
February 9 at 7:59 pm
Lovzat says:
Bale is awesome away from home. You wasn’t completely right
February 9 at 8:02 pm
Triggalicious says:
Obviously I wasn’t completely right, or else I wouldn’t be complaining about it?!
I predicted 4 goals from 3 games, but thought they would be shared around at least a tiny little bit.
February 9 at 7:58 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
A cheeky little bap for my 1st sub Dawson apparently. Stupidly put Puncheon as my 2nd sub though. I would only get him if RVP or Fellaini don’t play though so pretty unlikely I would have got him anyway.
February 9 at 7:59 pm
Acquafresca says:
Hmm you think RVP will start? I say 50/50 now.
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
I can see him playing a part of the game at least.
February 9 at 8:02 pm
Acquafresca says:
Good point.
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Demi says:
Even if he doesn’t start he’ll come off the bench. Featured in every single game this season
February 9 at 7:59 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
Think dummies are going to be out of the pram on here tomorrow when RVP comes off the bench in the dying minutes, keeping Puncheon on a thousand benches!
February 9 at 7:59 pm
Doosra - Laurentiu Reghecampf - Coach of FC Steaua Bucarești says:
*sharp intake of breath*
February 9 at 8:00 pm
Triggalicious says:
RVP (88, 90+4)
February 9 at 8:00 pm
Snake Juice says:
Nice.
February 9 at 8:00 pm
MJ6987 (Atalanta) says:
That would be a nice consolation
February 9 at 8:00 pm
The Viper says:
I have R.Martin waiting in the wings for me
He will play though, wrap up the title and give him a rest before the 2nd leg..
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Santiagounreal says:
After City lost an RVP benching is likely now.
February 9 at 8:02 pm
The Parmtree says:
Doubt it. Hit them while they’re down!
February 9 at 8:03 pm
The Parmtree says:
Nah, he’ll come off just after 60.
February 9 at 7:59 pm
Phaze 1 says:
Was gonna do Lamb -> Aguero but thats 100% off now. Not sure what to do with my 2FT now. Michu -> Sisqo is off also. LOL what a difference a day makes. Just gotta fade Fellaini tomorrow
February 9 at 7:59 pm
The Viper says:
26 (-4)
I know I still have the vast majority of my team to play but a red arrow is never nice, especially when the -4 came from Bale -> Gerrard
February 9 at 8:07 pm
Zlataner - 'Triffic says:
30 (-4)
Your team still looks in better shape than mine though! I think you’ll still end up with a good score this week.
February 9 at 8:12 pm
The Viper says:
Cheers Zlat, needed the moral boost
February 9 at 8:00 pm
Snake Juice says:
Chezny and Bunn combo delivering the past 2 GWs; shame that one of them has to sit on the bench.
February 9 at 8:02 pm
Ginkapo-Rule No.1: wwkd? says:
Szcz and Cerny has been doing just as well.
February 9 at 8:03 pm
whitegunner blackheart says:
Nice Snake. Got some Martin love myself. Those Canaries sharp at the back!
February 9 at 8:04 pm
Snake Juice says:
Wish I had Martin. Ugh.
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Nice2Michu says:
57 with 8 to play and michu captain
i have sorted out my team since GW 21 and things are taking a nice turn 
February 9 at 8:02 pm
Phaze 1 says:
nice
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Triggalicious says:
I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m unclear about who you captained today? Can you clarify the situation a little, please? TIA.
February 9 at 8:01 pm
Phaze 1 says:
Bego out for? Kinda wish I had went through with mu Reina plan now …
February 9 at 8:02 pm
meule says:
mig ? de gea ?
February 9 at 8:04 pm
Acquafresca says:
Keep. Dont waste a transfer on GK
February 9 at 8:05 pm
Zlataner - 'Triffic says:
Good call.
February 9 at 8:06 pm
ATHLETICO TIMBO says:
But bego is top of the watch list
February 9 at 8:02 pm
Kaizer Soze says:
Rooney Sturridge Lambert looks increasingly attractive seeing as I believe rooney will beat rvp over the last few fixtures and lambert being 3rd at 6.5m is cray
February 9 at 8:02 pm
The Dago says:
Anyone know why Podolski didnt feature today? Hes been in such good form.
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Acquafresca says:
Played for Germany.
AND arenal got a red 60th min.
February 9 at 8:05 pm
The Dago says:
thanks, worth keeping for Villa then, can see good few goals in that game.
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Acquafresca says:
Alright.
Avg predictions for the week?
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Zlataner - 'Triffic says:
30 so far
February 9 at 8:05 pm
Nice2Michu says:
so many teams have michu so early to mid 30s imo
February 9 at 8:07 pm
Nippy says:
45 with 5 to play and 7 points on the bench
February 9 at 8:03 pm
potatoace says:
Guys
following on from the MBV chat earlier.
you got to listen to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jN8SII8ytI
got the album, some great covers on there.
February 9 at 8:06 pm
Santiagounreal says:
haha, I listened to this album 2 nights ago
I liked this one the best actually because it does something different with a good song. Some of the covers were a little too much the same as the originals. But it’s cool to hear people play their songs.
February 9 at 8:10 pm
potatoace says:
Thought the dubstep one was quite cool, could actually see mbv doing that type of arrangement in a later album (22 years from now lol)
February 9 at 8:27 pm
RaspingDrive says:
Will have to check it out. Saw MBV support the Pixies in 87 at the T&C Club, Kentish town. Amazing period for music.
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Zlataner - 'Triffic says:
Corrigan – a reply is awaiting you in amongst the madness!
February 9 at 8:03 pm
Mr Draper says:
HMM just realized i still have a wildcard…. lets have a look at what getting rid of aguero and doing RVP> rooney looks like.
DDG Guvan
Zaba Baines Sagna (would swap to GJ after blank) Davies Harte
Mata Michu Bale Walcott Sissoko
Roo Sturridge Anichebe
REALLY tempted to do this but the sensible side of me says hold till later on in the season
Is it worth it?
February 9 at 8:04 pm
meule says:
i think you should wait for the potential blank in gw 29 and dgw
February 9 at 9:24 pm
Little Dancer says:
That looks pretty solid imo.
February 9 at 8:03 pm
★FC Borecelona★ says:
http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp.....02/GIF.gif
February 9 at 8:06 pm
The Dago says:
ha ha ha
February 9 at 8:06 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
February 9 at 8:04 pm
Count Of Monte Hristo - "Corner the market, then raise the price. Simple economics" (Heisenberg, 2009) says:
Parm how is the Roma career going?
February 9 at 8:06 pm
colonel shoe says:
new post guys
February 9 at 8:06 pm
Obi Wan Elokobi says:
has the BAP Chap been on?
February 9 at 8:07 pm
The Dago says:
search BAP CHAP
February 9 at 8:17 pm
Rabid Dog - The Rover With Rabies says:
Page 3
February 9 at 8:07 pm
The King says:
Anyone have a link to the bap chap predictions?
February 9 at 8:07 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Gink?
Since you no I’m going without RVP now, I’ve got to be spot on in my approach for value in other players. Which one looks better to you?
A) Sturridge + Rooney
B) Suarez + Lambert + 2.3m
The cash would be spread in the defense and upgrading either Michu/Fellaini to Bale if I go with B. Cheers.
February 9 at 8:09 pm
CarelessGenius says:
Can anyone persuade me to keep Cashley Cole?
February 9 at 8:10 pm
Chris_Oblivion says:
Probably.
February 9 at 8:09 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
When will Wilson start playing again?
February 9 at 8:10 pm
JKisthe1 -Tel-Aviv for EUROPA - Parm and China Mag, you're going down, Zlatan, Mila is mine says:
Just need one of Rafa or RvP to sit out tomorrow
Either one gives me Turner’s poosible 8 off the bench
February 9 at 8:12 pm
JKisthe1 -Tel-Aviv for EUROPA - Parm and China Mag, you're going down, Zlatan, Mila is mine says:
or Fellaini
February 9 at 8:10 pm
Bowstring the Trout says:
Need to take a (-4) next week to field 11 players, what seems best?
A) Gerrard + Suarez –> Bale + Rooney
B) Gerrard + Suarez –> Sissoko + RVP
C) Michu + Suarez –> Sissoko + RVP
D) Johnson + Suarez –> Sagna + RVP
I’m thinking D, but A and B are also tempting
February 9 at 8:15 pm
JKisthe1 -Tel-Aviv for EUROPA - Parm and China Mag, you're going down, Zlatan, Mila is mine says:
A or B
February 9 at 8:15 pm
Vincit Omnia Industria says:
My rival has Bale but I don’t. He’s 80 odd points ahead, do I still put Bale in based on the fact he’s so good? Or should I try something else to be different? Bale has some hard games coming up.
February 9 at 8:17 pm
JKisthe1 -Tel-Aviv for EUROPA - Parm and China Mag, you're going down, Zlatan, Mila is mine says:
I’d look for a differential elsewhere.
If you’re chasing someone with Bale, he can kill you. I’m lucky, only one guy in ML has Bale and i outscored him. Will be getting Bale this week.
February 9 at 8:17 pm
Declan- If you don't know what i'm saying it's probably swahili says:
Get him
February 9 at 9:25 pm
Little Dancer says:
I understand the importance of a differential but ultimately you’re trying to maximise your points total. I think you have to have Bale.
February 9 at 8:16 pm
Acquafresca says:
NEW POST: http://www.fantasyfootballscou...../#comments